Here's How Much Plastic Trash Is Littering the Earth

July 19, 2017 - Underwater photographer Huai Su filmed a diver collecting an endless amount of plastic bottles that litter the seafloor off Xiaoliuqiu Island, Taiwan. This is just one shocking example of the astonishing amount of plastic that can pollute our environment. An estimated 6.3 billion metric tons of plastic waste has been generated, a new study found, and only 9% of that total is recycled. Most of it—79%—is in a landfill or escaped into the natural environment, and only 12% has been incinerated.

Here's How Much Plastic Trash Is Littering the Earth

July 19, 2017 - Underwater photographer Huai Su filmed a diver collecting an endless amount of plastic bottles that litter the seafloor off Xiaoliuqiu Island, Taiwan. This is just one shocking example of the astonishing amount of plastic that can pollute our environment. An estimated 6.3 billion metric tons of plastic waste has been generated, a new study found, and only 9% of that total is recycled. Most of it—79%—is in a landfill or escaped into the natural environment, and only 12% has been incinerated.